Events Honoring Sandy Hook Victims

Thursday, March 28, 2013

The following are among the ongoing/upcoming events in honor of Sandy Hook Elementary School victims:

Quinnipiac Shirt Auction

Quinnipiac University’s soccer program has been auctioning off No. 26 shirts donated by soccer teams from around the world to raise money for a scholarship fund in memory of Rachel Marie D’Avino, one of the 26 shooting victims, since March 14. The auction will continue through April 14. The proceeds of the auction will be used to establish a scholarship fund in memory of the victims. Quinnipiac’s 2011 captain, Kyla Miles, attended school in Sandy Hook, while 2002 captain Lauren Carmody was a cousin of teacher Rachel D’Avino.

The first annual Daniel Barden Highland Mudfest will take place on Saturday, April 13, at MKJ Farms in Deansboro, N.Y. The event will feature a 5K mud run that climbs and falls over the hills of Deansboro, which is located approximately 15 miles south of Utica.

Runners will be challenged on hills, wooden obstacles, and water. Athletes will also have the chance to compete in a traditional Highland event: The Farmer Carry, an entertaining activity which demonstrates great acts of courage. Kilts are requested for all participants and encouraged for all. There will also be a half-pint, half-mile kids run. Spectators and athletes will be treated to Irish music, local food, and vendors.

Daniel, 7, was one of the first graders killed 12/14. A niece of organizers of the event was inside the Sandy Hook Elementary school that day. She escaped physically unharmed, but her dear friend and next-door-neighbor did not. The goal of this event is to raise money for Daniel’s family, including two siblings. All proceeds will be donated to the Barden Fund.

Newtown High School’s baseball team will play Pomperaug of Southbury at Bridgeport’s Ballpark At Harbor Yard at 6 pm on Thursday, April 25. Proceeds will benefit the Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company.

Patriots Visit Town

Current and former New England Patriots players will instruct youth ages 6–14 in a free football clinic at Newtown High School on May 18, when the Kraft family, New England Patriots Charitable Foundation, and the New England Patriots Alumni Club will bring their “Football for YOU” one-day free youth clinic to town. The event time is yet to be determined but online registration begins on April 22, and same-day registration will take place at 11 am. Online registration will open on April 22 at www.patriots.com/community.

During the clinic, current and former Patriots players will gather at the Newtown High School football field to share their football expertise with hundreds of Newtown youth in skill stations including blocking, receiving, and punting. The day will also include an ongoing Patriots-themed activity zone that will feature food, games, and prizes for the Newtown community to enjoy.

Clinic participation is free of charge and same-day registrations are welcome. Each child will receive a T-shirt and Patriots gift bag.

All attendees will participate as part of the NFL’s Play 60 initiative, which promotes healthy living among young fans.

5K Run/Walk To Honor Hochsprung And Rousseau

A dedicated group of teachers and support staff at Rogers Park Middle School, in conjunction with the Danbury Public schools, is hosting a 5K Walk/Run in honor of Sandy Hook educators and families Saturday, May 18. The event will also raise money for the Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung Memorial Fund and the Lauren Rousseau Scholarship Fund.

The event will feature 26 Inspiration Stations that will showcase messages of healing and hope for all participants.

In addition to remembering all of those who lost their lives at Sandy Hook Elementary School, the Spring Forward For Sandy Hook event holds extra special meaning for the Danbury community. Dawn Hochsprung, who heroically lost her life 12/14, was a vice principal at Rogers Park Middle School for several years during her career as an educator. Her husband, George, recently retired from Rogers Park Middle School after a 40-year career as a teacher in the Danbury Public Schools.

Lauren Rousseau, who also lost her life 12/14, completed her student teaching at the former Roberts Avenue Elementary School in Danbury. She subbed in several Danbury Schools and had recently started subbing in Newtown shortly before the tragedy at Sandy Hook.